National Dog Day is a celebration of all dogs, and Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO) would like to honor the power of one dog, Willie Nelson, and the profound impact he and his owner, Ann Harris, have on Veterans and their families.

Elderly man in a medical setting smiles while petting a golden retriever therapy dog wearing a colorful bow tie. A woman beside them laughs.
Veteran Lawrence Lankford pets therapy dog Willie Nelson.

When Harris’ husband, Leslie, an Army Vietnam Veteran, was nearing the end of his life, he gifted her Willie so she wouldn’t be lonely after he passed. Deeply touched by the exceptional care she and her husband received at VHSO, Harris felt a strong desire to give back to VHSO and Veterans who had supported them in their time of need. This sense of gratitude inspired her to contribute in ways she hoped would touch the lives of others, just as the hospital staff and Veterans had touched their lives.

A gift of love and legacy

A man in a cowboy hat affectionately pets therapy dog golden retriever, while a woman in a patterned dress smiles warmly.
A man in a cowboy hat affectionately pets therapy dog golden retriever, while a woman in a patterned dress smiles warmly.

“I wanted to find a way to express my gratitude for the compassionate care my husband and I have received at VHSO,” Harris shared. “I wanted to do something meaningful that could help other Veterans.”

Harris, who also receives care at VHSO under CHAMPVA, found solace and purpose while grieving by working with a Whole Health coach. Together, Harris and Willie embarked on a transformative yearlong journey to become a therapy dog team. Once they graduated, they signed up to be volunteers at the medical center.

“Willie and I have been volunteering at VHSO for the past two years. Every time we meet new people, we see their faces light up. We’ve helped Veterans through chemotherapy, visited patients whose families couldn’t be there, and tried to bring joy and appreciation everywhere we go,” Harris explained. “I know Leslie would be proud of Willie and I.”

A man in a wheelchair, wearing a red "American Made" shirt, pets a therapy dog golden retriever. Two women stand nearby, smiling.
Therapy dog Willie Nelson gives Veteran Jacob Graves a sniff while owner Ann Harris and a VA staff member look on.

Here’s to Willie Nelson and Ann Harris for their heartfelt service! VHSO proudly celebrates your unwavering dedication and joy you bring to Veterans. Your contributions have made a world of difference, and your compassion continues to inspire us all.

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5 Comments

  1. Ann Nadine Barbour-Feilds September 18, 2025 at 22:17

    i will be getting a dog some and i would love it to become a thype dog. it is comming from Philadelphia and it is two years old and has not ben trained. i want to give him a try

  2. Walter Ernst September 18, 2025 at 17:48

    My dog and I are a Certified Therapy Team with Alliance of Therapy Dogs. We were given special permission 6 years ago to volunteer at the VA clinic in Colorado Springs. We were very successful in helping both the veterans and the staff. I lost my original dog and became certified with a new dog. Both are Newfoundlands. Recently, with a new person as director of volunteers, my dog barked because she sensed a dangerous situation ( a personal pet, dog, that was aggressive, not a service dog). We left to area immediately. The next week when we returned, the volunteer coordinator asked/told us not to come back. We miss the interaction with the veterans and the staff. I am a VietNam combat veteran and interact well with everyone. We also volunteer at the Denver airport and the Craig Hospital. Just thought you should know not alll programs are running well at the VA.

  3. Thomas Lyon September 17, 2025 at 23:04

    I’m 100% disabled veteran service connected with a case of PTSD as well as many other physical disabilities. How do I go about applying for a service dog as our dog is 17 1/2 and will be gone before too long. I’d really like to have a service dog to help me with my PTSD Because I’m very kind of antisocial and I could use an animal help me deal with some of that loneliness.

    • Walter Ernst September 18, 2025 at 17:35

      “Freedom Service Dogs” provides properly trained and certified “Service Dogs” for free. They are an organization located in Denver and have clients all over the country. They have been around for a long time. The quicker you get on their list for a Service Dog the better. You can find all the information at FreedomServiceDogs.org. 303.922.6231 They have dogs in training all the time, however there is a fair amount of time to wait for a dog that fits your individual needs. Best to get on the website and accomplish the application.

  4. Sue Hess September 17, 2025 at 12:37

    Mrs. Harris and Willie Nelson are amazing volunteers. They spread happiness and smiles at every visit.

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